Show Review – King Diamond, Overkill, Night Demon

November 3, 2024

Mississauga, ON

Photos and words by: Taita Nunes

Legendary frontman King Diamond brought his Saint Lucifer’s Hospital tour to North America with openers Night Demon and thrash legends Overkill.

NIGHT DEMON

Opening the night, Night Demon took the stage with a vengeance, kicking things off with Outsider. The crowd responded immediately to the band’s classic metal energy, with riffs that seemed to echo the spirits of NWOBHM and a stage presence that was tight, powerful, and intense. One of the best power trio bands I have witnessed live. They sounded amazing and showed the harmony they have playing together.

The band worked through crowd favorites like Screams in the Night and Dawn Rider, and they played each song with laser-focused precision. Jarvis Leatherby’s powerful bass lines cut through the room, anchoring their performance as Armand John Anthony delivered one searing solo after another. By the time they closed with Night Demon, the crowd was more than warmed up – they were ready for the thrash assault that was about to come.

SETLIST
Outsider
Screams in the Night
Dawn Rider
The Howling Man
Ritual
The Chalice
Night Demon


OVERKILL

Thrash veterans Overkill kicked off their set with “Scorched,” the title track from their latest album, setting the tone with furious riffs and Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth’s signature snarling vocals. The mosh pit came to life instantly, bodies colliding in a whirlwind of sweat and leather. Blitz prowled the stage like a man possessed, delivering every line with a venomous bite that showed the band has lost none of their fire after four decades.

“Rotten to the Core” followed, a thrash anthem that had every old-school fan screaming along. The crowd’s fists pumped in unison as D.D. Verni’s rumbling basslines and Dave Linsk’s shredding guitar transported the packed venue back to thrash metal’s early days. The energy only intensified with “Bring Me the Night,” its galloping rhythm and infectious chorus whipping the pit into a frenzy.

“Hello from the Gutter” provided a bit of nostalgia, with Blitz addressing the crowd like an old friend who had survived countless battles. Next came “The Surgeon” from Scorched, a song that felt fresh yet classic, mixing modern intensity with Overkill’s signature grit.

“Elimination” hit with the force of a wrecking ball, blasting through the venue with unrestrained fury. Fans were chanting along, fists raised high, as Blitz sneered through every line, reminding everyone why Overkill remains one of thrash’s most revered acts. The night concluded with a fiery cover of The Subhumans’ “Fuck You,” a perfect closer that embodied Overkill’s no-nonsense attitude. Blitz held up a middle finger as the crowd sang every expletive, creating a wild, cathartic end to an unforgettable night.

SETLIST
Scorched
Play Video
Rotten to the Core
Play Video
Bring Me the Night
Play Video
Hello From the Gutter
Play Video
The Surgeon
Play Video
Ironbound
Play Video
Elimination
Play Video
Fuck You
(The Subhumans cover)


KING DIAMOND

The Great Canadian Resort in Mississauga, ON was transformed into a Dark Theatrical Cathedral of horror as the legendary King Diamond descended with his unique brand of theatrical, spine-chilling heavy metal. Fans from all over Ontario gathered, faces painted in tribute, as the lights dimmed and the unmistakable opening chords of “Funeral” filled the room, signaling the start of an unforgettable evening.

The atmosphere was electric as King and his band launched into “Arrival,” immersing the crowd in the eerie atmosphere of Abigail. King Diamond’s piercing falsetto echoed through the venue with supernatural clarity, complemented by Andy LaRocque’s razor-sharp riffs. “A Mansion in Darkness” followed, and it was clear from the first note that the fans were here not only to witness but to experience the twisted tales woven into each song.

The setlist was a journey through King Diamond’s chilling narratives and sinister characters, with each song creating its own scene on the dark stage. “Halloween” brought a wave of excitement—perhaps an obvious crowd favorite in the season’s spirit—featuring an elaborate stage setup with flickering lights that captured the haunting magic of the night. When the sinister “Voodoo” followed, King prowled the stage like a spectral preacher, casting his spell on the audience, who hung on every word.

The show took a haunting turn as King delved into the “Them” album, with “Spider Lilly” and “Two Little Girls” ramping up the eerie ambiance. As soon as the haunting intro of “Sleepless Nights” began, the fans erupted, chanting along with King’s soaring falsetto—a bone-chilling moment that seemed to freeze time. Throughout the night, King Diamond’s vocal prowess was nothing short of otherworldly, with his high notes sounding as sharp as ever.

The middle portion of the set was a grand tour of King’s classic horror tales, reaching a fever pitch with the powerful trio of “Out From The Asylum,” “Welcome Home,” and “The Invisible Guests.” Each track felt like a mini horror film, complete with theatrical props and haunting lighting effects. By the time King got to “The Candle,” the crowd was thoroughly under his spell, and “Masquerade of Madness” and “Eye of the Witch” only further cemented the eerie, immersive experience.

“Burn” and “Electro Therapy” closed out the main set with an intense rush, leaving fans breathless and ready for more. After a brief pause, King returned to deliver a mesmerizing encore, diving back into Abigail with the iconic title track. As the chilling refrain of “Abigail” rang through the theater, the entire venue was on its feet, roaring along with the King as he delivered one of his most iconic performances.

The night was a masterclass in theatrical metal, showcasing the endurance and precision of both King Diamond and his band. Every note, every scream, and every story held the audience captive, proving once again that King Diamond is not only a musical icon but also a dark storyteller without equal.

SETLIST
Funeral
Arrival
A Mansion in Darkness
Halloween
Voodoo
“Them”
Spider Lilly
Two Little Girls
Sleepless Nights
Out From The Asylum
Welcome Home
The Invisible Guests
The Candle
Masquerade of Madness
Eye of the Witch
Burn
Electro Therapy

Encore:
Abigail